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HEALTH AND SANITATION
By
IAPMO
In November 2017 , IAPMO ’ s Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard ( WE • Stand ) was published as an American National Standard , replacing the Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement . The publication of WE • Stand is noteworthy , as it is the first-ever ANSI standard that focuses solely on achieving safe and efficient water use in both residential and non-residential buildings .
David Viola , IAPMO CEO
In the spirit of the sharing of unique experiences that shape the plumbing industries in our respective nations , the following article looks at IAPMO ’ s Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard , which focuses solely on achieving safe and efficient water use in both residential and nonresidential buildings . It is the next in a regular series of similar articles that will run in this magazine .
The WE • Stand Technical Committee ( TC ): The ontime publication of WE • Stand is a result of the excellent work of the dedicated WE • Stand TC . Comprised of 29 leading industry experts , the provisions contained in the standard reflect the centuries of collective experience and knowledge of the committee . The TC worked under a tight development deadline to finish its work per the abbreviated published timeline . With representation from code officials , manufacturers , plumbing engineers , contractors , the plumbing trades , water-efficiency proponents , water utilities , landscape irrigation experts , representatives of other associations and academia , the contents contained in the 2017 WE • Stand contains the latest comprehensive provisions aimed at achieving safe and reliable water efficiencies in and around buildings . IAPMO sincerely appreciates the efforts of the WE • Stand TC !
What is in it ? See below for just a few of the significant new provisions contained in the inaugural edition of WE • Stand :
New water Demand calculator : Big news ! WE-Stand provides a new alternative to Hunter ’ s Curve when estimating water supply demand for residential buildings ! This achievement represents the first practical application of an improved method since the 1940s that does not result in excessive over design and oversizing pipes . The method is applicable for both single- and multi-family dwellings . A complimentary , easy-to-use Demand Calculator estimates the supply demand for the whole building , as well as cold and hot water branches and risers for indoor water use based on today ’ s plumbing fixtures and appliances and usage patterns . The Water Demand Calculator works in conjunction with any commonly accepted rules and procedures for sizing the water supply system . This results in : improved scouring action in water pipes , inhibiting biofilm growth ; shorter water dwell times in premise plumbing systems , improving water quality ; faster hot water delivery times throughout the plumbing system , saving energy , water , and money ; and reduced construction costs . Is this a big deal ? You bet it is . Plumbing systems designed utilising the new method will deliver water and energy efficiencies for the entire life of the plumbing system , at a reduced cost ! It is now available for use with any baseline plumbing code .
New provisions for the codification and safe use of composting toilets : WE • Stand contains the first set of comprehensive codified requirements for the installation , safe use and maintenance of composting and urine diversion toilet fixtures applicable to commercial and residential applications . New safety requirements for leak detection systems : New safety provisions for leak detection systems that take fire suppression systems into account . Landscape irrigation : New efficiency-related provisions for system inspection and performance . Swimming pool provisions : New requirements pertaining to the energy efficiency of swimming pool pumps per the latest industry standards .
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline May 2021 Volume 27 I Number 3